The Bears' Almanac

by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

Children learn about weather conditions and recreation during the four seasons and the names and significance of holidays in this journey through a year in Bear Country

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Science, Juvenile, Animals, Nonfiction, Nature

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Stan and Jan Berenstain (often called The Berenstains) were American writers and illustrators best known for creating the children's book series the Berenstain Bears. Their son Mike Berenstain joined them as a creative team in the late 1980s.

Reviews

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus far, the “roaring twenties” haven't impressed me.

I've looked around, taken in the sights and sounds, and I've declared the current day has nothing on the decade of my early childhood: the 1970s.

I've talked to many people, throughout the years, who were either teens or adults in the 1970s, and they haven't always been as impressed as I've been by that decade, but, for me, that will always be my most favorite time.

So, even though I declared that I wouldn't be doing any reading projects this year, my aversion to the current day has led me here, and I'm declaring a new project: 70 from the 70s.

I won't be reading books from the 1970s exclusively, but I'm going to be there as often as possible, and I don't plan on stopping until I hit 70 new titles for my “That 70s Show” shelf.

I'm starting my project with one of the most influential book of my childhood, Stan and Jan Berenstain's beloved The Bears' Almanac, which, I am excited to report, has not gone out of print.

I still have my original copy from 1973, with my brother's name scrawled across the top in a childish hand: CHAD. (Thanks, Chad, for writing your name on the cover of my first edition!). A few pages are ripped and the cover's a little yellowed now, but this book has been loved by my brother, my son, both of my daughters, and me, for 45 years.

It's fabulous; a book written completely in rhyme. Funny in parts, educational in others. It teaches the months of the years and the seasons without feeling didactic in any way. I honestly believe a hardcover copy will still make an excellent gift for modern young children.

I just looked up Stan and Jan Berenstain, that married writing duo who entertained me through so much of my childhood. Turns out Stan passed away in 2005 at the age of 82, and Jan passed away in 2012 at the age of 88.

They'll always be middle-aged for me, as they were in the photo at the back of my book. Given their ages in the 1970s, I hope they were once swingers.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beginning book is tough to find. My library system did not have it. Luckily Open library does own this book and it's free.

It's a nice starter book on seasons and how things work like the moon and such. All the fun zany bear characters are here, but it isn't really a story as an almanac. The niece and nephew are beyond this book, but it's a good starter book. I'm surprised they don't still publish it with the rest of the Bear books.

The artwork is nice and they pack a lot of information in this book for kids. There's plenty to look at and it brings up good feelings of the year. We are entering Summer and it's always been so difficult for me. I loved Michigan because there's really only 2 horrible weeks up there of summer but here in Baltimore, there is a long summer and it really wears me down. I don't do well in the heat. Scotland with highs in the 70s for Summer sounds just right for me. It's always a struggle to get through a summer, but bring on the winter. That can last 6 months and I'm happy.

[Ms. B · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites. Full of facts, this was such a fun one to share with students.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this one in our The Berenstain Bears' Big Book of Science and Nature. Loved it and plan to definitely come back many more times.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book there's no Sister Bear and Brother Bear is Little Bear, then she randomly appears fully grown on the page opposite the one talking about babies in Spring.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly one of my all-time favorite books as a child. I reread it soooo many times.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was little, I wolfed this thing down over and over. Perhaps it has helped shape me into the genius I am today.

[Apex157x · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always love the illustrations best since I was a little girl!

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is this book I love called, "In a People House" which goes through a typical house labelling all the items one might find. This book is similar in that it takes you from January 1 through December 31 discussing the seasons, holidays, weather, and activities in each of the seasons, clearly labelling and explaining everything in the book. Really great resource for helping children learn general terms.

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Bear Family and Actual Factual Bear provide information about the year (the seasons and holidays) as well as meteorological events.

The information is told in cute rhymes; and there are Richard Scarry-esque illustrations with tons of items to look at! Only includes Christian / mainstream American holidays.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very good book! I've read it tons and tons and tons and tons and tons and tons of times! It is good! I recommend it!

[Partridge Public]

Berenstain, Stan and Jan K-1st

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic stuff. Best for young children who are too young to read on their own or are just starting to read.